Japan ponders easing U.S. beef restrictions

Posted: Sunday, December 09, 2007

TOKYO - Japan will consider easing restrictions on U.S. beef imports, an apparent compromise after months of pressure from Washington, according to a news report.

Agriculture Minister Masatoshi Wakabayashi's concession followed the latest round of talks between Japanese and U.S. farm officials earlier Friday over Tokyo's restrictions on American beef, Kyodo News agency said.

Japan banned American beef imports over mad cow fears more than three years ago.